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Photography: Adam James Richardson | Words: Danielle de Wolfe
Despite being a band in their relative infancy, OUTLYA are systematically proving they’re a pop force to be reckoned with.
The British three-piece, formed of Will Bloomfield (vocals/keys), Willem Olenski (guitar) and Henry Kilmister (drums), have a strong record when it comes to delivering the goods. Casually serving up more hooks than ten rounds with Mike Tyson, singles “Howl” and “Higher” became instant fan (and tastemaker) favourites. The offerings not only showcased the euphoric prowess of debut EP, Volcano, but secured prominent playlist features, including Spotify’s New Music Friday.
“Henry and I first met at university in Norwich and played for a little while together,” notes vocalist Will. “We got our first London gig as part of our old band – which was actually booked by Willem. So OUTLYA only really started in February of this year… yup, we’re still infants.”
Having already landed support slots for the likes of Frances and Dan Croll, the band’s effervescent offerings are cementing OUTLYA as an exciting pop prospect. They’re a band unafraid of the connotations associated with the typical ‘pop’ label, a band proud of their influences, and ultimately, the infectious and anthemic sounds they collectively produce.
“Popstars are way more versatile than bands,” notes Will. “Bands are well known for being stuck in their ways when it comes to music. Rhianna is a great example in terms of an artist making a really good three and a half minute pop song.”
“I think it’s just the overriding sense of showmanship,” remarks Willem. “When you go to a show and there’s a level of engagement and character that comes across, I think that’s what ties all our favourite bands, popstars and DJs together. They create a real sense of community and spirit. Will and I went to see this really old, Americana-y band called Wilko last year – it was one of the best gigs I’ve ever been to! I remember one of his lecturers at university saying the two best shows he’s ever been to were Wilko and Katy Perry – they’re completely different ends of the spectrum, but when you’re at their show, they’ve got this unique mark.”
© Adam James Richardson
“You need to check out – wasn’t it LOWES?” remarks Willem, looking over at his bandmates for guidance. “Yes, LOWES!” confirms Will. “I think they’re from the lake district or somewhere – L-O-W-E-S – and she’s got the most amazing voice. A bit like Florence and the Machine. She wears this big…” Will’s voice trails off as if hunting for the right word. “Yeah, a big cape-y thing – it was very Stevie Nicks. That was one of my most recent finds.” he notes proudly. “Is it a towel? Is it a cape? Who knows,” Willem chimes in, clearly still trying to find an apt description.
There’s no doubt OUTLYA are a band crafting a strong and identifiable brand. Mixing up the age old all-white boyband aesthetic with matching worker jackets reminiscent of Everything Everything, the trio’s name can be found emblazoned across their chests (y’know, in case we forget who we’re watching).
“We wanted to follow a colour scheme,” notes Henry. “Will started wearing the white trousers first, I was wearing this off-cream colour and Willem was going for light grey. Daz are making a fortune…”
“It’s that David Byrne way of thinking,” notes Willem. “The outfits stay the same but the stage lighting corresponds to the songs we play. It’s a continuation of a visual.”
“We were playing a show in Manchester and I fell over walking on stage and cut my leg. It was a tiny little thing, but because of the white jeans, it just got bigger and bigger and bigger,” chuckles Will. “It was like a giant poppy. People in the front row just kept pointing at me.”
Blood loss aside, OUTLYA are a band harbouring a relatable and cheeky sense of charm. Not in the ‘overpower PR spiel’ sense of the word, but in terms of a genuine like-ability factor that’s downright endearing. Sure, clean, synth-heavy pop may not be to everyones tastes, but what these chaps have done is nail a recipe – featuring uplifting melodies and hook-heavy choruses – that is set to please the masses.
And on that note, what makes the masses happier than a spontaneous game of word association? We challenged the boys to a casual game. They kindly accepted. Trust us, it’s first class journalism from hereon out:
Plastic Surgery
Will: St Vincent – purely because I’ve just watched that video of her face being pulled around, have you seen that? I literally saw it this morning.
Shots
Will: Just no.
Henry: LADS.
*cue mass hysteria*
Nicholas Cage
Will: Bees.
Henry: Have you seen that community episode? Have you seen it? Where Abed takes the class on whether Nicholas Cage is a great or terrible actor. It’s so good. Con Air – what a film!
Will: I’d still say bees.
Paris Hilton
Henry: Pink
Will: Ahhh, I don’t even know, what does she even do anymore?! Oh yeah, she had a film called You’re Not Hot Enough or something. Remember that
Willem: No, but whenever I think of Paris Hilton I think of ‘Gravity’s Rainbow’. It’s that episode from The O.C. when they try and segway her into it. Then she’s like ‘Ahh, I’ve just read this book by Thomas Pynchon called Gravity’s Rainbow’.
Will: It’s probably the best moment of her life.
Eiffel Tower
Willem: Spikey
Will: We’re not giving many left field answers here, are we?
Private Jet
Henry: The Edge – that story about him. He once paid for a private jet to take a hat from Ireland over to the US when they were on tour.
Will: So basically The Edge’s hat. That’s epic.
© Adam James Richardson
